Z Man Original Chatterbait Elite - $6.99

Based on angler feedback, Z-Man made some key upgrades to the popular Z Man Original Chatterbait Elites. New, heavier duty, thicker blades offer increased durability and the same thumping action, and Z Man also replaced the painted blades with new metallic finishes so there is no paint chipping off or sticking. Now featuring new beefed-up Mustad Fastach Clips as well, the new clips are not only significantly stronger than the standard clip design, they are also very easy to attach to the blade.

The new Chatterbait Elites also still deliver the same incredible attention-to-detail as the originals -with custom airbrushed heads and matching skirts for that extra fish appeal. Super sharp 5/0 Gamakatsu hooks help you make the most of every strike, and new molded-in bait keepers help to reduce slippage and keep your trailers secure. Available in a range of proven colors, the Z-Man Original Chatterbait Elites are perfect for fishing around timber, rip rap, boat docks and a variety of aquatic vegetation.

Comments: These baits work great. The trick is to know what color and trailer to use. I caught 35 keeper sized bass in the Mississippi pool 12 in less than an 2 hours. My trick is throw the bluegill color with a Venom super do (black and blue 4")as a trailer. Great combo. You wont be disappointed. The newer custom chatterbaits have addressed the line tie, and bait keeper issues, but until they add theat bluegill color, this is my number 1 search bait in shallow cover.

From: Justin: IL 6/1/15

Comments: Much improved over the original. Don't know why it took so long to make the simple improvements such as better snap, better hook and bait keeper but I'm glad they did. I love fishing vibrating jigs and have used all the good ones, D&M, Pheonix, Rage Blade. Don't really understand it but there is just something about this blade/jig combo used by ZMan that just catches more fish than the other brands. Trailers I would recommend are Kinky Beavers or Zoom ultra vibe craw if you're imitating crayfish and Yamamato Swim Senko or Skinny Dipper if imitating baitfish.

From: Hydrilla: Lake Seminole, FL 10/20/14

Comments: Would be good if the blade wouldnt bend all up after one fish. stick with the original

From: John: Guntersville, AL 6/2/14

Comments: I was hesitant after reading all the reviews. I preffer the Phoenix even tho they are unabailable, but after trying everything in my boat, I tied on a original in bluegill color and absolutely smoked them. I caught over 30+ fish on the same bait and never had any issues with the bait other than occasionally having to pull up to skirt back onto the jig head. Very impressed

From: Jeff: Grottoes, VA

Comments: As mentioned below the blade will detach from the jig head. Hook isn't as nice as expected. Either buy the original or find a different brand

From: Tyler: Plymouth, MA

Comments: Complete junk. Mine was barely holding together after 1 fish. The blade kept getting jammed and I had to really pump it a couple times to get it to do anything. Buy something else.

From: Rick: TX

Comments: These catch fish like nobody's business, but they don't hold up. I've had at least 6 of these come apart where the blade connects to the head.. Hopefully they'll come up with a better solution than just painting over the gap.

From: Mike: Houston

Comments: attach two split rings to the jig so there are 2 split rings between the blade and the jig, this will increase the action substantially and make it perform closer to the revenge type vibrating jig. or you could just find some revenge vibrators and not have to worry about messing with this pile of junk

From: Rob: PA

Comments: basic chatterbait structure is good, too bad they have forced out better lures such as the Phenix and Revenge. This lure lacking an arm still does not fish better than Revenge with swimbaits. Elite fishes well with a crawdad trailer and green pumpkin

From: Pete: Strongsville, OH

Comments: Great bait, Great action, like the Bluegill color. Just a tip, be sure to clean all the paint of the u shaped head connector for the blade. It will help with the blades action.

From: Joe: ME

Comments: Bought a 3/8 Smokey Shad to try out the new version... I like the custom paint job on the head & the bait keeper. Like someone mentioned, I'll still add a little super glue, but the keeper will help keep things lined up... The hook wasn't ultra sharp & didn't 'grab' doing the fingernail test... Sharpened it like I've done with all the others before & ready to go.... Not so much better that I need to replace all that I have, but will only buy this one going forward. Tried every other bladed jig that's come along, including the D&M Piranha Swim Jig & I think the chatterbait is better. Sheds off weeds easy & great action. The bulky custom-looking skirt on the D&M, which is very appealing, tends to get up around the blade sometimes for me...

From: Midwest Bass Guy

Comments: No need to worry about the "white" painted blade.....the paint chipped off after a 1/2 day of fishing with it. Much improved hook! If you are looking for a painted blade that will last, this is not the bait for you.

From: Greg: Delta, CA

Comments: These improvements should have been made to the pro models, the head design is better. I don't understand why it took so long for them to put a bait keeper on their chatterbait. Still going to need a little superglue they way bass hit these baits, trailers don't stand a chance.

From: Evan: Arlington, TX

Comments: The Elite finally incorporates all of the features that chatterbait fishermen have been begging for for years! Thanks Z-Man!

From: Dan: Madison, WI

***Note: If you have questions about this product or need assistance with an order please email your questions to info@tacklewarehouse.com